Tim Flanagan, Author at The Stray Ferret

Abandoned Ripon redevelopment site is up for auction

New life could be breathed into an abandoned Ripon redevelopment site, which formerly housed the city’s first public library.

The site at Skellgarths/Water Skellgate has planning approval for six terraced houses and is up for sale by auction, with a guide price of £500,000.

Harrogate-based estate agents FSS has described the plot as:

“An ideal opportunity to acquire a site with planning approval for six terraced houses, in two blocks of three, together with the freehold of 18 Water Skellgate, which comprises of a recently converted detached building containing five apartments.”

The online auction is due to take place at 3pm on September 14.

The site is in Ripon’s conservation area, in close proximity to Ripon Cathedral and on the route to prime tourist attractions — Fountains Abbey in one direction and Newby Hall in the other. It is also one of the main thoroughfares leading to the city centre.

Following demolition of the library nine years ago, a start was made on the proposed residential redevelopment of the plot, but this came to a halt and the site became an overgrown eyesore that was initially fenced off with steel barriers.

After a call for action by Ripon councillors, more permanent hoardings were erected in 2020 by Harrogate Borough Council workmen.

The search begins for Ripon’s community stars of 2023

Ripon Together has begun its search for organisations and individuals whose community-minded work enriches the life of the city and surrounding areas.

Following last year’s successful launch of the St Wilfrid’s Stars scheme, nominations can be made for the 2023 awards between now and the closing date of September 30. Further details can be found by clicking here.

The scheme, which has 11 categories, attracted hundreds of nominations in 2022. Working with media partner the Stray Ferret, the aim is to build on the success of last year.

The Stray Ferret is looking for a local business to sponsor our coverage of this positive community event in Ripon. Any businesses interested should email advertising@thestrayferret.co.uk.

The names of all those nominated were displayed at a reception in the cathedral where a stunning star-spangled banner created by Ripon Community Poppy Project, provided a fitting backdrop for the evening event.

Ripon Together director Simon Hewitt said:

“The point of the scheme is to recognise and celebrate all those who add to the quality of life in and around Ripon. We want everyone in the area to think about those who go the extra mile in whatever field, and to nominate them.”

St Wilfrid’s Stars of 2023 categories

Business – A business which has supported the city or its community during the past year.

Community – An individual who has made a difference to local people or the wider local community in the past year.

Community organisation – A not-for-profit organisation that has made a difference to local people in the past year.

Culture – The organisation or individual who has made a significant contribution to cultural activities in the Ripon area.

Sports and activity clubs – An individual who has made a significant contribution to sports or other group activities during the past year.

Tourism – A business or other organisation that can demonstrate a significant contribution to improving the Ripon area’s offering as a tourism destination over the past year.

Environment – An individual or organisation that has made a significant contribution to protecting or improving the environment during the past year.

Individual young person – The person (under 19 years old) who has made a significant contribution during the past year.

Young people’s group – The group (under 19 years old) which has made a significant contribution during the past year.

Individual supporter of youth – the person who has made a major difference to Ripon’s young people.

The judging panel will also select an overall volunteer of the year.

Ripon Together would like to hear from any local companies interested in sponsoring the scheme or individual awards. Contact can be made via info@ripontogether.com

Drainage channels installed in £10,000 scheme on Ripon street

Concrete drainage channels have been installed outside homes in Newby Street in Ripon to prevent flooding during wet weather.

The drainage improvement work, costing £10,000, was completed last week after being authorised as one of five additions to the North Yorkshire highways capital forward programme for structural highways maintenance.

The combined total for the additional works is £340,842 and includes an allocation of £60,000 for work on Hampsthwaite Bridge, which is currently closed and under repair.

The Newby Street work is designed to carry rainwater from downpipes and into drains in the street, preventing a back-up of water on pavements.

Prior to the installation rainwater from downpipes, serving 42 brick-built late-Victorian houses, was released directly onto the pavements.

Children’s author launches book at Halls of Ripon

First-time children’s author Jo Jo Stewart visited Halls of Ripon at the weekend for the launch of her book Tigby Tried.

The book, which she has written, illustrated and published, features the adventures of Tigby the crab as he overcomes challenges through sheer determination.

Ms Stewart said her 20 years as a teacher helped her realise how many children had lost confidence due to the lack of interaction brought about by covid. She said:

“My book is aimed at children aged up to seven and its message is ‘Keep trying and never give up’ as exemplified by Tigby.

“In Chinese culture the crab represents rebirth, transformation and renewal and in life, if you can’t move forward for whatever reason, don’t give up – move sideways like Tigby and look for an alternative route to achieve your goals.”

Ms Stewart, who studied children’s illustration at the London College of Art, added:

“My love for collage encouraged me to experiment with my book illustrations, using letters that are individually cut and a bit wonky.

“I want people to remember that the world isn’t perfect, there are lumps, bumps and wobbles and no one is the same.

“The Tigby character may have suffered his own lumps and bumps, but he proves that if you keep trying, no matter how wrong things might go at times, you’ll get there in the end.”

Further details about the book can be found by clicking here.

Police seek help into spate of vandalism on cars in Ripon

North Yorkshire Police is seeking assistance from the public following a spate of vandal attacks on vehicles in Ripon car parks and on residential streets.

Over the past week, cars have been deliberately damaged in the Cathedral and Morrisons car parks in the city, as well as on Quarry Moor Lane and Oak Road.

The vandalism, which has been reported on social media, has ranged from the smashing of windscreens to attacks on bodywork, windscreen wipers and mirrors.

Yesterday (Sunday) members of the Harrogate Outer policing team were on Ripon Market Square to promote the North Yorkshire Community Messaging service and, while there, Sgt Jeff Peel, told the Stray Ferret:

“We’ve had a number of people who have given us information that may be helpful in our on-going investigations into the recent vandalism incidents.

“We would urge anybody else who feels they can help to contact us in confidence.”

Anybody with information about the attacks or other suspicious behaviour that that they have witnessed, can call 101 or report online via www.northyorkshire.police.uk.

The North Yorkshire Community Messaging service, provides another means for the public to help in the fight against crime and those who sign up for it will receive localised email alerts about events, crime appeals and safety advice.

Burst water main causes road closure on Dishforth Road near Ripon

A section of Dishforth Road on Sharow Lane, near the traffic calming island, is closed this morning following a burst water main.

Motorists travelling to and from Ripon and up to the A1, are having to use alternative routes along Berrygate Lane and New Road at Sharow and through Copt Hewick to avoid the blockage while workmen carry out repair work.

A villager told the Stray Ferret:

“The work has been going on since earlier this morning and there is a hole four-feet deep, where the road has collapsed and the pipe burst.

“The collapsed section of road is directly opposite the traffic calming island near the Sharow Village Sports Ground.”

Contractors from Morrison Water Services, working on behalf of Yorkshire Water, are dealing with the burst and the collapse.

Independent bottle shop and taproom to open in Ripon

An independent bottle shop and taproom is set to open in the heart of Ripon.

The Portly Pig will operate in a building on Kirkgate that has seen a variety of uses over two centuries.

Number 5 Kirkgate will be known to many as the former Oasis Florists and those with longer memories will recall it being the offices of the Ripon Gazette newspaper.

A Civic Society plaque shows that before then it was a Town (Council) House from 1835 to 1851and then a borough police station with four cells between 1875 and 1887.

The Ripon Civic Society plaque

Now, Adam Coulson is transforming the premises into The Portly Pig Bottleshop and Taproom. He told the Stray Ferret:

“We’re really looking forward to opening at this great location in a building with such a fascinating history.

“We are on target to open in early September and are delighted with the positive responses on social media that we have received since putting an ‘opening soon’ sign in our windows.”

Mr Coulson added:

“Our focus will be on serving real ales, craft beers and ciders, both on tap and in bottles, along with spirits and wines.

“The majority of the drinks will come from local independent breweries, distilleries and wine suppliers.”

Finishing touches being made to the premises will include permanent signage – but where did the name come from?

Mr Coulson explained:

“I was on holiday in Portugal with my wife Katrina and we had just had a delicious meal, when the idea of The Portly Pig came to us. It’s as a name that we hope will catch the eye.”

Mummers provide a humorous take on Ripon’s rich history

St Wilfrid celebrations brought thousands of people to Ripon’s Market Square on Saturday, but after the procession was over, one tradition featuring the city’s patron saint was still to be carried out.

Since 1986, when Ripon celebrated the 1100th anniversary of its Royal Charter granted by King Alfred the Great, the Wakeman Mummers have, without fail, performed a short, humorous play about the history of the city as a postscript to the Wilfrid festivities.

Performed in rhyme and including music from melodeon player Roy Hardacre and a Morris dance finale, the play can be seen for the third night running this evening at 8.45 near the obelisk and facing onto Ripon Town Hall.

Jim Coulson, who wrote the words and takes the part of the Wakeman, will be joined by fellow mummers Peter Meese in the role of St Wilfrid, Andy West as King Alfred, Bellman Dave Blight and Ted Dodsworth as the Ripon Citizen.

The Morris dance finale

Mr Coulson told the Stray Ferret:

“The idea of the play is to tell, simply and with humour, the story of the granting of Ripon’s Charter in 886 AD coupled with the name of the city’s patron saint.

“The week of St Wilfrid’s Feast, which follows on from the procession, was chosen as the most appropriate time of year to perform this play.

“Because all traditions must start somewhere, we can claim that, having performed it every year since 1986 without a break, the “St Wilfrid Play” – as it is popularly known – has now become a well-established tradition in the city.”

This evening’s performance will be the last in the short run, but those who are unable to see it can be assured the Wakeman Mummers will be back again next year.

More live music events to be held at Ripon’s Minster Gardens

The success of Ripon’s Rock for St Wilfrid Concert in Minster Gardens has prompted organisers to call for an encore.

An estimated 500 people turned up on Saturday evening to hear four acts, including rock band Time Machine in which Kevin Hill is a vocalist and plays bass guitar.

Mr Hill, who owns the Karma clothing and gift boutique in Kirkgate with his wife Liz, told the Stray Ferret:

“It was the ideal location for a summer concert and we’re now considering a follow-up for the August Bank Holiday and have ideas for further musical and cultural events to be staged here next spring.”

Concert-goers gather at Minster Gardens

The event arranged at short notice in liaison with the St Wilfrid’s Procession Committee and Ripon Business Improvement District, was supported with a grant of £829 from North Yorkshire Council which also gave permission for use of the public open space.

Harpist Lucinda Taylor

Mr Hill said:

“Thanks to cooperation from all parties, we were able to hold a family-focused evening of entertainment in this lovely setting.

“It attracted a large crowd and those who attended showed great respect by leaving the gardens litter free.”

In addition to Time Machine (pictured above) the evening also featured local singer-songwriter Alannah Creed, harp player Lucinda Taylor and Knaresborough Vista Social Club.

GALLERY: St Wilfrid’s Procession brings thousands to Ripon’s streets

Arrival at a Ripon Cathedral bathed in early-evening sunshine, signalled the conclusion of the 2023 St Wilfrid’s Procession.

It was the end of a 7.5 mile journey along residential streets and into the city centre, where thousands of people had gathered.

For the actor playing the part of the city’s patron saint and Colin the 19-year-old Cob Cross Clydesdale, there was a guard of honour provided by Ripon City Morris Dancers, as horse and rider approached the iconic building in time for a service of celebration.

Prior to that the rousing music of Ripon City Band (pictured above) resounded on Kirkgate as the procession made up of decorated floats and people in fancy dress carefully navigated the ancient street.

There was a carnival atmosphere throughout the day as crowds lined the streets to watch the parade go by and gathered in the Market Square for a Saturday afternoon of free family-focused activities and entertainment organised by the volunteers of the St Wilfrid’s Procession Committee.